Flames Today: 12.02.13

KIPPER’S RETURN DELAYED

Originally diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his medial collateral ligament, Miikka Kiprusoff’s status was updated to a slight Grade 2 MCL sprain Tuesday and is expected to miss the next two weeks.

“Obviously, not good news for Miikka and the team but that’s the way it goes,” coach Bob Hartley said.

“I had a bad feeling yesterday morning,” Hartley continued. “He went on by himself and he went down, a couple of butterflies and he still felt something so obviously we’ll never put a guy on the ice when we feel that he cannot contribute to the team success.”

The team will soldier on with Leland Irving between the pipes, who is 1-1-1 this season with a 2.62 goals against average and .900 save percentage in Kiprusoff’s absence.

“Leland is playing great. We’re going to keep riding Leland,” Hartley said. “He’s obviously playing very well for us and he’s building confidence.”

Joey MacDonald, acquired off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, will back up Irving. The Flames also announced Danny Taylor has been placed on waivers with the intent to return him to the Abbotsford Heat.

BAERTSCHI CONTINUES SKATING

Sven Baertschi, sidelined with an ailing hip, remained in a non-contact jersey for Tuesday’s skate. Though he continues to participate in practice, there is no timetable for the return of the 20-year-old according to Hartley.

“He’s still no contact so, again, we want to make sure that he’s healed at 100 per cent,” Hartley said. “He’s a young kid. He’s learning the pro game and when the medical staff is going to give us the green light, you’re going to see him in a normal coloured jersey and he’s going to be close at that point.”

The fact that he’s back on the ice amongst teammates is an encouraging sign for Feaster.

“No further time-frame as far as when he’ll be back but again the fact that he’s skating with us is a good thing.”

CAMMY’S BACK

Missing the last three games with a hip injury of his own, forward Mike Cammalleri is set to return to action Wednesday against the Dallas Stars.

“Good. Mike is going to be in the lineup tomorrow,” Hartley said.

Though he’s goalless this season, Cammalleri has five assists in seven games and is expected to inject some life into a Calgary offense that has scored just one goal in each of their last two games – both losses.

FLAMES SWAP HEAT FORWARDS

Searching for a different look down the middle, the Flames have announced they’ve recalled Paul Byron from the Heat. Byron, who has 15 points in 35 games with the Heat this season, is expected to give the team a bit more speed at the center position.

“We’re just looking to bring Byron in to give it a little bit different look and give Byron an opportunity here,” Feaster said.

To facilitate the move, Calgary has reassigned Ben Street to Abbotsford.

“We felt that it was a pick’em situation, Ben Street, Paul Byron, Roman Horak,” Feaster said. “Ben did a good job with us. The coaching staff met with Ben today and I met with him, told him he did a good job.”